Root Canal Treatment for Barrington, RI Patients

Maple Avenue Family Dentistry’s Root Canal Treatment Procedure

Root canal treatment is extremely common, performed about 14 million times each year. It’s a simple treatment, designed to save a patient’s natural teeth, and it’s about 90-95 percent effective. A root canal treatment procedure is also known as an endodontic procedure. This is from the Greek root words “endo,” meaning inside, and “odont,” meaning tooth. Root canal treatment works on the inside of a tooth that’s infected, inflamed, or dead. To save the natural tooth, the center of the tooth, known as the pulp, is removed. The tooth is then cleaned and sealed. If you think you may need root canal treatment in Barrington, Rhode Island, contact Maple Avenue Family Dentistry.

How Do You Know If Root Canal Treatment Is Necessary?

The pulp, or center, of your tooth is soft and contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. Sometimes, it is damaged by an injury or infected with tooth decay. When these things happen, you may experience sensitivity to temperature and pain in your tooth and gums. The tooth may be visibly injured or swollen. If you experience these symptoms, contact your dentist to determine if you need root canal infection treatment. This can be determined by taking an x-ray of your tooth.

What Should I Expect During a Root Canal Treatment Procedure?

The root canal treatment procedure can take one or two appointments, depending on factors like the size and duration of the infection. Here are the typical root canal treatment steps:

  • First, the dentist will give you a local anesthetic to prevent pain.
  • The infected site will be isolated using a dental dam.
  • The dentist will make a small opening at the top of the tooth to access the pulp.
  • The pulp will then be removed from the chamber and canals.
  • The dentist will clean the canals with a disinfectant.
  • X-rays may be used to make sure the canals are thoroughly treated.
  • The now-clean canals will be filled with gutta-percha, a rubber-like material that protects and seals them.
  • A temporary filling may be placed in the opening of the tooth.
  • Once the root canal is completed, a crown will be placed to protect the tooth from breaking.

What Happens After a Root Canal Treatment?

You’ll be able to drive home and resume your normal activities after your procedure. You may experience some pain after root canal treatment, but it’s typically easy to manage with over-the-counter pain medication. Root canal treatment side effects are usually minimal, though some people experience severe pain or an allergic reaction to the anesthesia. It’s best to avoid chewing on the affected tooth until the restoration is complete and the crown has been placed.

How Much Does Root Canal Treatment Cost?

The cost of a root canal treatment will vary based on the severity of the infection and which tooth is affected. Generally, a root canal treatment procedure will cost less than removing and replacing the natural tooth.

What Are the Benefits & Risks of Root Canal Treatment?

The primary benefit of a root canal treatment procedure is that it can save your natural tooth. There is a risk that infection from the root canal can spread to other parts of your body, but this is minimal. Complications are rare, but you can contact Maple Avenue Family Dentistry if you experience any problems.

Are Any Further Treatments Needed?

Once the root canal treatment procedure is completed, you may need a second appointment at which the dentist will place your crown. After that, you’ll just need to practice good oral hygiene and see your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups. A successful root canal treatment will preserve your natural tooth for a lifetime.

Choose Maple Avenue Family Dentistry for Root Canal Treatment

If you’re looking for unparalleled dental services from the top-rated dentists in Rhode Island, look no further than Maple Avenue Family Dentistry. We’ve served the Barrington area for more than 35 years, and our dentists have over 70 years of combined experience. We offer a wide variety of dental services to patients of all ages, utilizing the latest dental technology to ensure excellent results and patient comfort. Our office has all dental specialties in one location, made even more convenient by the option to schedule weekend and evening appointments.

Our satisfied customers know that they can trust us for general dentistry, preventive care, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, periodontics, cosmetic dentistry, and more. Whether you need a root canal treatment or just a routine dental cleaning, our dentists and endodontic specialist will give you the care you need. Contact us to schedule an appointment or learn more about the excellent dental care we provide in Barrington, Rhode Island.